The perpetual paranoia of the BJP rule with respect to "attack" on Hindu religion in India, has taken several ridiculous turns, and the claim that Deepika Padukone's 'saffron' bikini in Besharam Rang song 'denigrates Hindus' is one of them. The video of Besharam Rang, a single from the Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham starrer Pathaan movie was released on December 12, 2022 and it wasn't exactly a surprise that Deepika was seen in several steamy bikinis, considering the tone set by makers ever since the movie was launched. 

Nevertheless, the glam quotient of the video was a notch higher than usual Deepika Padukone starrers, and this stirred the ultra-conservative ruling party in India to no end. Added to this, Pathaan, titled after a word representing Pashto speaking Muslims, is produced and starred in by 'Muslim actor' Shah Rukh Khan. This lead to Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra beginning a crusade against the song and objecting to 'a Muslim man groping a woman in saffron'.

All through December, Pathaan makers and the Hindi film audience have been subject to several additional objections like the title of the song which translates to 'shameless colour' was also a dig at Hindu religion because of the orange bikini! Pathaan produced by Yash Raj Films was facing threats of getting banned, if the bikini scenes, especially the one in orange was not removed.

"The CBFC must have got pressurized from the ministry.. If they suggest a cut because of colour then it would be a wrong proceeding..(Pathaan makers) had cleared the costume and the shot in the trailer. " - Former CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihlani

 

"The decision of the Censor Board on the film Pathaan is commendable. When this matter came in front of me then only I had said that reel life affects real life too. Producers-directors and artists, everyone should take care of this." - Dr. Narottam Mishra, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister 

 

The CBFC aka the censor board in India recently intervened in this never-ending blow-up of a controversy, and shockingly asked the filmmakers to remove the colour, scenes being objected to and even change the title of the song! While many saw this move of CBFC as borderline threat to democracy, considering the whole controversy is based on a costume colour (that no one owns), current CBFC head Prasoon Joshi has issued this statement:

"CBFC always has a tough task to strike a right balance between audience sensibilities and creative expression and we have stayed true to this spirit in the certification on film Pathaan too... (Pathaan) makers have been advised modifications in the film with a balanced and wholistic view as per the CBFC guidelines...

As far as costume colours are concerned, the Committee has stayed unbiased. I am sure when the film comes out the reflection of this balanced approach will be clear to everyone.

We need to understand that CBFC works under guidelines as per the Cinematograph Act. and endeavours to do its best in certifying the films for the appropriate category. Also there is always a provision for the makers to voluntarily make changes to their film and further submit an agreed upon version..

I must reiterate that our culture and faith is glorious, intricate and nuanced. And we have to be careful that it does not get defined by trivia (sic)."